Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson said the Senate’s minority bloc has agreed to push for Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian as Senate president, describing him as a unifying figure who could help rebuild the chamber’s credibility.

Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s “Special on Saturday,” Lacson said their group of 11 senators had “cemented” its position during a recent caucus, making Gatchalian a "non-negotiable" choice should leadership changes be pursued.

“Kung makikipag-ugnayan man kami sa kabilang grupo sa majority bloc, ilan sa kanila, ang non-negotiable sa amin si Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, yung aming itatalaga na Senate President at least for the meantime na merong kaguluhan sa Senado,” Lacson said.

He added that Gatchalian is seen as acceptable not only within the minority but also to some members of the majority, making him a viable consensus candidate.

Lacson said discussions within their bloc consistently returned to the need to restore the Senate’s “integrity, dignity and reputation,” which he described as currently at a low point.

“Sa aming pananaw, si Senator Sherwin ang pwede maging acceptable hindi lamang sa aming minority group of 11 kundi sa ilang senador sa mayorya ngayon,” he said.

“Alam namin qualified si Sen. Sherwin. Alam namin na kaya niyang dalhin ang senado doon sa magkakaisa-isa, magkakaroon ng united front against all the issues na bumabalot sa senado ngayon.”

The senator also cited concerns over government spending, particularly the 2025 national budget, which he described as controversial due to large insertions that drew public criticism.

Allocations of projects and funds remain a “sensitive issue,” Lacson said, noting that it has been repeatedly raised in their caucus discussions.

In a separate statement posted Saturday, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said members of the so-called Solid Bloc 11 (SB-11) also support Gatchalian’s bid for Senate Presidency.

Pangilinan said Gatchalian demonstrated his ability to safeguard public funds during deliberations on the proposed 2026 national budget, adding that he has the principles, capability and fairness needed for the position.

He also said Gatchalian could unite a broader, reform-oriented Senate that would be more balanced, accountable and acceptable even to some members of the current majority.

Pangilinan noted that even incumbent Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano had indicated openness to voting for Gatchalian as Senate president.